Stephen A. Smith Responds to Josh Hart

Stephen A. Smith responded to Josh Hart’s recent criticism with a mix of acknowledgment and pushback, while also raising broader concerns about the New York Knicks following their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

Speaking on First Take, Smith addressed Hart’s comments — in which the Knicks guard said the ESPN personality should “shut the hell up” — and made it clear he did not take the remarks personally.

“I find nothing disrespectful about what he said,” Smith said. “You’re absolutely entitled to clap back… but it don’t make you right.”

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Smith Defends Role, Experience

Smith emphasized that his job is to analyze players and teams, regardless of personal relationships.

“I don’t need to know you. I don’t need to talk to you. I get paid to talk about you,” Smith said.

He also pointed to his decades of experience covering the NBA, noting that his perspective is rooted in long-term observation of the league and the Knicks organization.

“They want to ignore the fact that I’ve been covering the NBA for over 30 years,” Smith added.

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Knicks Performance Under Scrutiny

Smith’s response extended beyond Hart, shifting toward a broader critique of the Knicks following their recent loss.

New York entered the game riding a seven-game winning streak but fell to Charlotte, raising questions about the sustainability of that stretch.

Smith highlighted the quality of competition during the run.

“You go on the court last night with a seven-game winning streak… those wins came against teams under .500,” he said. “So who the hell did you beat?”

He contrasted that with the level of competition the Knicks are likely to face in the playoffs, pointing to teams such as the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons as stronger benchmarks in the Eastern Conference.

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Rebounding, Impact Issues Highlighted

Smith also pointed to specific areas of concern from the loss, particularly on the glass and overall team impact.

Despite a strong individual performance from Hart — who finished with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists and a game-high five steals in 39 minutes — the Knicks struggled collectively.

Hart posted a minus-15, reflecting how the game tilted during his minutes despite his stat line.

Smith also noted that Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and rookie Kon Knueppel combined to out-rebound the Knicks’ starting lineup, underscoring deeper issues.

“How does that happen?” Smith said. “How am I supposed to feel confident?”

The Knicks were outrebounded by 19 and recorded just 24 total rebounds — their lowest output in over a decade.

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Ongoing Debate Between Media, Players

Hart’s initial comments came in defense of teammate Mikal Bridges, reflecting a broader trend of players pushing back against media criticism.

Smith acknowledged that dynamic but reiterated that criticism comes with the territory.

“You’re chirping now,” Smith said. “But that doesn’t change the facts.”

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Looking Ahead

The exchange highlights the tension between player perspective and media analysis, particularly for a Knicks team navigating high expectations.

While New York remains in a strong position in the Eastern Conference standings, performances like the loss to Charlotte have fueled debate about its ceiling.

For Smith, the message was clear: the scrutiny is not going away — especially with the playoffs approaching.

Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo